Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Miztec (1890)

Explore the wreck of the Miztec, a three-masted schooner lost in Lake Michigan during a storm in 1921. Accessible to divers at depths of 45 to 55 feet.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Miztec
  • Type: Three-Masted Schooner
  • Year Built: 1890
  • Builder: Marine City, Michigan
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 16.7 m / 55 ft
  • Location: Lake Michigan
  • Coordinates: Exact location not publicly documented
  • Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Miztec was a wooden three-masted schooner, a vessel design commonly used on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Schooners like the Miztec were efficient cargo carriers, often transporting bulk goods such as salt, grain, and lumber across the lakes. The vessel’s robust construction and sail configuration allowed for relatively fast and stable navigation, but storms posed a significant risk to their operations.

Description

Built in 1890 in Marine City, Michigan, the Miztec served as a workhorse for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. On her final voyage in May 1921, she carried a load of salt, towed by the steamer Zillah. As the vessels navigated Lake Michigan, a sudden and fierce storm developed, catching both the schooner and the steamer in treacherous conditions.

During the storm, the towline connecting the Miztec to the Zillah snapped, leaving the schooner to drift at the mercy of the elements. Despite the efforts of her seven-man crew, the Miztec succumbed to the storm’s fury, disappearing beneath the waves. Tragically, all crew members were lost in the incident.

History

The Miztec sank in Lake Michigan and remains on the lakebed at depths ranging from 45 to 55 feet. The vessel was a total loss, and no cargo or significant parts of the wreck were salvaged. The tragedy underscores the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms often proved fatal for vessels unprepared or caught in precarious situations.

Significant Incidents

  • The Miztec was lost during a storm on May 15, 1921, while being towed by the steamer Zillah.
  • All seven crew members aboard the Miztec perished in the incident.

Final Disposition

The Miztec remains submerged in Lake Michigan, with no significant recovery efforts reported. The wreck is a reminder of the maritime hazards faced by vessels in the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: The wreck is in a typical state of deterioration for wooden vessels submerged for over a century. Structural elements, such as the hull and spars, may still be visible, though decomposition and sediment accumulation likely obscure many details.

Accessibility: The depth of 45 to 55 feet makes the Miztec suitable for recreational divers, but local diving regulations and safety measures should be followed. The visibility in Lake Michigan can vary, and divers are advised to plan their dives carefully, considering currents and weather conditions.

Resources & Links

The Miztec is a somber yet fascinating part of Lake Michigan’s maritime history. Her loss, along with her entire crew, highlights the relentless challenges of sailing the Great Lakes, particularly during sudden and severe storms. Preserving the story of the Miztec is vital to honoring the legacy of those who worked and perished on these inland seas.